Paul Lambert believes Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has been disrespectful after he admitted his interest in Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

Koeman hopes to be reunited with Vlaar, who played for him at Feyenoord, and described his countryman as a "perfect addition" last week.

But his words have angered Lambert, the Villa boss, who is determined to keep the Dutchman after he impressed in Saturday's opening 1-0 Premier League win at Stoke.

Saints are searching for new centre-backs after Dejan Lovren's departure, but Lambert is adamant that Vlaar will remain at the club.

"You saw Ron play on Saturday, he was fantastic for us so I don't think anything like that is preying on his mind at all."

Paul Lambert

"I think he is disrespecting when you are talking about other team's players when they are still their players," he said. "I think that's wrong.

"I wouldn't mind if he picked up the phone, but you don't go public on it. That's the thing that annoyed me the most and the stance is still exactly the same with Ron."

Vlaar continued his recent good form after some solid displays at the World Cup for the Netherlands and Lambert does not believe the speculation will prove a distraction.

"I don't have a problem. You saw Ron play on Saturday, he was fantastic for us so I don't think anything like that is preying on his mind at all," said the Scot.

"I just thought it was the wrong thing to have done."